A host of local dignitaries including current and former Lincoln mayors, railroad officials, transportation officials and representatives of elected state and federal officials were on hand for the ribbon cutting for the completion of renovations and opening of the historic Lincoln Dept in downtown Lincoln, IL (101 N. Chicago St). A large crowd was on-hand for the December 5, 2017 event. Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman hosted the ceremony, which also included remarks from Illinois State Representative Tim Butler, and Hal Smith from Representative Darin LaHood's office.

When the wheels hit the road (bicycle wheels , that is) we were honored to travel the Illinois portion of Route 66 with Zdenek Jurasek and his 2 person film crew (Petra and Tomas) from the Czech Republic. Zdenek was attempting his second Route 66 trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on his mountain bike. The Solo Bicycle Ride trip was initiated on August 20th and completed on September 21st, 2016. The first encounter we had with our friend and his crew was in Braidwood, IL at the Polk-a-dot. That same evening we were invited to join him and distinguished citizens from Dwight at the world renowned Country Mansion Restaurant.

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway set up shop at this year's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival this past weekend, August 12-14, in Springfield, Missouri. The event, we understand, has really taken off this last couple years, and despite the weather on Friday not cooperating, the crowds were amazing. The Byway exhibit was part of the Authors, Artists, Collectors & Associations expo at the Old Glass Place downtown. As usual, our Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway flashing stickers were a huge hit, with literally hundreds of attendees wearing them throughout the weekend. It was a great chance to promote all the great attractions on the east side of the Mississippi River!

Did you know that 300 miles of the historic Route 66 stretches through Illinois? In fact, the “Mother Road” starts in the Windy City and winds through the state to St. Louis before stretching across the country. And this year, the legendary drive will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a party right where it all begins. Join us at Bow Truss Coffee Roasters, 73 E Jackson Blvd in Chicago this Saturday, July 16th from 11:30am to 2:00pm. Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway social media coordinator Kaleigh Moore will be hosting a Facebook Live event to mark the celebration.